The British education system is one of the most prestigious in the world. That is why, in recent years, the number of students from outside the United Kingdom studying in British schools and universities has increased. But there has also been an increase in the number of Spanish families who decide to enrol their children in British schools in Spain.

Are you familiar with the British education system?

In the United Kingdom, compulsory education begins at the age of 5 and ends at the age of 16, a period very similar to that of Spain.

The British system is divided into four stages called Key Stages, with each academic year lasting about 9 months, divided into three terms. Each Key Stage has a duration of two years. The first four years are part of Primary Education, and the following four, of Secondary Education.

After that, students have the option of taking another two years to prepare themselves for University, known as the Sixth Form, the equivalent of the Spanish ‘Bachillerato’. To access University, it is necessary to pass the A Level exams.

Characteristics of the British education system

The British education system is mainly based on providing students with the necessary means to develop their skills and promote learning, giving them the opportunity to explore their creativity while guiding them at all times to do their best.

The most important thing is the quality of education, so each week teachers present the programme of lessons and activities to be carried out, so that there is control over what happens in the classroom. But there is also a strong emphasis on the concept of target in order to motivate students. A number of academic objectives which have to be completed by the end of the course are set. 

Practise is prioritised 

In the British education system, the assimilation of content is based on practical experience from a very early age. Thanks to this, students can learn by themselves, which favours autonomy and helps to consolidate knowledge, applying them automatically whenever they need. Besides, it is a much more attractive process that is more motivating for students.

Personalised education

Classes are very small so that students enjoy more personalised attention. In fact, it is one of the most outstanding characteristics of this system. To this end, they have support teachers and assistant teachers, who help teachers in their daily work with students, helping them with the content they need and adapting the reinforcement lessons to the needs of the students.

A wider range of languages 

Students in British schools have a wider range of languages, which allows them to discover new societies and cultures, and, this way, develop a greater tolerance and respect for other points of view. For example, there are British schools in Spain where, apart from having English and Spanish as the vehicular languages, they also offer French lessons as a second foreign language or an additional language such as German or Mandarin Chinese.

Importance of teamwork 

The British academic model is based on projects. A system in which students can complete a project from start to finish. Many of these projects are done in teams, so students have to collaborate with each other. Besides, as they are continuously supervised by the teachers, they have to be in constant communication with them.

Healthy competition

In many British schools there is what is known as a “House” system. Each student is part of a house and, for each activity they pass, they receive a number of points. At the end of the course, the house with the most points receives a prize. In this way, teamwork and cooperation are encouraged, but always under the umbrella of healthy competition.

British vs Spanish education system

The main difference between the British and the Spanish education is that the British system prioritises practice over theory and gives more importance to the assimilative concept than to the retentive one, banishing pure and simple memorisation. This helps students to learn to make decisions and to tackle problems, seeking solutions for themselves.

Furthermore, there is a clear commitment to continuous evaluation. Constant performance is sought and not only at certain times, such as the work that is handed in or the final exams. In this way, effort and perseverance are rewarded.

On the other hand, it should be noted that, in the British education system, each student knows what objectives they have to complete at the end of the year, which encourages their ability to improve. They are individually adapted based on the level of each student.

British education system in Spain

Schools based on the British system in Spain follow alternative curricular plans to the Spanish national curriculum, following the United Kingdom national framework, and are inspected every three years by the UK Department of Education to ensure the quality of the services provided. In this way, a broad and balanced curriculum is guaranteed, favouring personal development and high academic expectations. With the added bonus that, being in English, it can mean a passport to the best international universities and better career prospects.

Now that you know what the differences are between the British vs. Spanish education system and what its main characteristics are, you will have realised why it is so prestigious. If you are interested in enrolling your child in a British school, at Hastings School we will be happy to answer all your questions and give you all the information you need.